But more than that, I want to know the everyday things.
What is her morning routine like?
What snack does she have to have in the house at all times?
How did she get into her line of work?
What would she look like, lying beside me in a bed?
The dog comes barreling toward us, sliding to a halt just an inch from Luna’s shins. Pig offers the squeaky toy as if in tribute to the woman she only wants to see happy.
Guess Pig and I are in the same boat.
“Okay,” I concede. “I get it. My life doesn’t have room for a pet either. Still, it’s hard to see all these animals in need and not want to do something.”
Luna crouches down to pat Pig’s full belly. The puppy gives a happy wiggle and grins up at Luna with her doggy tongue lolling out the side of her mouth.
Pig looks ridiculous.
Ridiculously happy.
I pray someone else walks into the shelter with the same magnetism as the woman next to me. Sucks to disappoint an innocent animal.
Luna slips the lead over Pig’s neck before standing, brushing her hands off on her shorts, as if that could erase all signs of the affection she just bestowed.
“I learned a while ago that you can’t save everyone.”
And with that cold statement, Luna turns back toward the building, Pig trotting obediently at her heels.
As I watch the two walk away, I fight a fierce urge to find a way to be her savior.
CHAPTER 16
CHARLIE
Don’t you dare spill anything on yourself.
Normally, I don’t have to give myself a pep talk about the simple act of drinking a soda. But I’m waiting for Luna, and it has not passed my notice that my body malfunctions whenever she’s in a ten-foot radius. Most guys only have to worry about not getting a boner when they’re around a woman they’re crushing on. I, on the other hand, have to worry about every limb in my body possibly betraying me.
I’m Superman, and she’s my walking, talking kryptonite.
I spot her strolling down the street. With each confident step she takes, Luna’s hair sways against her bare shoulders. Her tank top shows off sculpted arms and hugs tight against her torso.
Never before have I been envious of a tank top.
With aviators covering her eyes, I’m unsure if she sees me staring. Either way, I can’t seem to do anything else.
Luna pauses at the hostess’s stand, and I rise to my generous height, waving for her attention.
The way her mouth curves into a welcoming grin does all sorts of inappropriate things to my breathing. Good thing I wasn’t drinking when she hit me with it.
“Hey, Charlie.” Luna strolls up to the table and settles in the seat across from mine.
I stayed standing in the wild hope she might go in for a hello hug. No luck there. Careful not to hit the table with my knees, I settle into my chair.
“Hey, yourself. How’s your last day in town going? Got any exciting plans?”
Now in the shade of the restaurant’s awning, Luna removes her sunglasses. I expect to meet a casually smiling gaze.
